The Story Behind the Name: Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan

Before he became a global icon of Qawwali music, Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan was born as Pervez Fateh Ali Khan. He was also known as ‘PayJee’ by his sisters.

According to this video clip of his performance, hosted by Mustansar Hussain Tarar, a significant change occurred early in his life when a spiritual figure visited his family. When Nusrat’s father called him by the name Pervez, he advised that the name Pervez was not appropriate.

The reason traced back to Islamic history. Pervez was the name of a Persian king who, according to religious accounts, tore up a letter sent by the Prophet Muhammad (SAW). Because of this act, the name was considered to carry a negative legacy, especially for someone who would go on to sing praises of Allah, the Prophet, and Hazrat Ali.

Nusrat’s father agreed and asked the same Peer o Murushid to suggest a name also. He went into maraqba, and recommended the name Nusrat, which means help or victory in Arabic and Urdu. \\

The family accepted the suggestion, and Pervez Fateh Ali Khan became Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan — a name that would go on to define a musical era.